A truly magical day for Marie and paddy in the Dunloe Hotel and Gardens


When Marie and Patrick met in New York, it was, of course, in typical Irish fashion, in an Irish pub on St Patricks day! And what could have been just a chance encounter turned, into a 7 year romance which culminated in a gorgeous 3 day destination wedding in Ireland.


Patrick whose family is originally from Eyeries in West Cork, didn't have far to travel but the Americans were all blown away by the epic Irish scenery, tumbling mountains, pints of Guinness, and the wonderful Irish welcome they received at The Dunloe Hotel and Gardens.


We had everything from a formal catholic wedding in St Mary's Cathedral in Killarney, to a scenic drive through the Gap of Dunloe in a vintage car, to a champagne tower and fireworks!

Wedding Photos at the Gap of Dunloe

Editorial & Fine Art Photography in Killarney
Wine glasses and empty champagne bottles lined up on a white table with candlesticks for an elegant event setting.

I have spread my dreams under your feet;

Tread softly because you tread on my dreams

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A romantic couple in wedding attire share a tender kiss on vintage stone steps of a historic building - Dunloe Hotel wedding photos

If your dream for an Irish wedding involves Castles, Sheep and a creamy pint of Guinness then you might want to check out Marie and Patrick's epic wedding  

A black vintage car drives along a winding mountain road through scenic mountainous terrain in black and white.
A series of panoramic aerial photographs showing a green rural landscape with scattered trees and buildings.

Killarney Wedding Photos by Sarah Kate Photography

A romantic wedding photo session - Gap of Dunloe Wedding Photos by Killarney wedding photographer Sarah Kate Photography

LOCATION: Killarney


Why Choose The Dunloe Hotel for Your Wedding?


AKA: How to get married with a backdrop that looks straight out of a movie


When I originally met Marie and Patrick, they didn't have a venue picked. I went through Marie's criteria for a perfect wedding venue in Ireland which was a castle, green fields, countryside and The Dunloe Hotel and Gardens was the only one which ticked all the boxes. With the Gap of Dunloe a hop, skip and a dance away, a 13th-century castle ruin peeking through the trees, and 64 acres of gardens just waiting to star in your wedding album.


That’s The Dunloe Hotel, a five-star hideaway in Beaufort, near Killarney, and honestly, it’s one of the most magical wedding venues in Ireland.


While The Dunloe is closing this Autumn '25 for a huge overhaul, it's two sister hotels; the 5 star luxury The Europe is only over the road, and it is another extremely popular venue for weddings .


Ard na Sidhe Country House Hotel is another spectacular in Victorian style property owned by the same group, the restored hideaway is located directly on the shore of Caragh Lake.


So you're not stuck for choice if you want a luxury wedding venues in Killarney.

Thanks to the crew


Wedding Vendors which made it all happen


Marie and Paddy made sure they had the best of the best when it came to vendors for their wedding! As the bridal party was large we had two hairdressers and makeup artists on hand to create Marie's timeless glamour.


Venue & Coordination

Photography & Video

Florals & Styling

Hair & Makeup

Fashion & Beauty

Music & Entertainment

Transport

The Dunloe Hotel wedding Photos by Sarah Kate Photography

A paved walkway leads through a lush green park with large cypress trees creating a natural archway overhead.
Rolling green hills stretch into the distance with wooden fences and scattered trees dotting the pastoral landscape.
Ancient stone castle entrance with weathered steps and wooden door surrounded by lush greenery.
Modern stone building with large glass windows and angular architecture set among trees and landscaping.
Modern single-story building with a stone tower and glass facade set against a rural landscape.
Close-up of deep magenta roses with morning dew drops glistening on the petals in a blurred garden setting.
A pair of diamond wedding rings resting on a dark wooden surface beside white carnation flowers.
White paper invitations and place cards arranged in a sequence showing wedding stationery details on a rustic wooden table.
Elegant white square-toe mules arranged in multiple overlapping poses against a blurred natural outdoor background.
Luxury perfume bottle photographed in different angles on a textured gray fabric surface showing its elegant design.

What makes The Dunloe Hotel so special?


The setting

It’s giving “epic Irish romance meets Vogue editorial”. The estate is huge (64 acres, no less), with riverside walks, beautiful horses, secret gardens, a thatched cottage for outdoor drinks, and panoramas everywhere you look.


The spaces

Whether you’re after an intimate do for 70 in the Club Room or a blow-out bash for 240 in the Park Suite, they’ve got you covered. Both rooms are flooded with natural light, have their own bars and dance floors, and your guests will actually see Kerry rather than four beige walls.


The people

This isn’t their first rodeo. The Dunloe team have been pulling off weddings for over 50 years, and the reviews all say the same thing: “We didn’t have to worry about a thing.” Couples rave about coordinators like Rachael and Jason who handle the small stuff so you can just float around being fabulous.


The food

Locally-sourced, seasonal menus that show off the best of Kerry think Atlantic fish, Kerry lamb, garden-fresh veg. This isn’t rubber-chicken territory.


The craic for guests

Kids and adults are spoiled horse riding, fishing, fairy trails, tennis, movie nights. Translation: nobody’s bored, everyone’s buzzing.


Renovations & What’s New (Sneak Peek for 2025+)

  • In January 2025, The Dunloe submitted a major planning application to Kerry County Council. The plans include:
  • Demolition of the old spa, leisure facilities, some guest rooms, and banqueting wing.
  • Building a new five-story wing with 97 modern guest rooms.
  • A beautiful new two-story spa & leisure centre with both indoor and outdoor pools, treatments rooms, and relaxation zones.
  • A first-floor restaurant and kitchen added to the existing reception terrace.
  • Sustainability upgrades: solar panel installation and energy-efficient tech across the new structures.


Seaforest films

Couple shares romantic dance embrace on outdoor dance floor with fireworks in background at The Dunloe Hotel and Garden

Fireworks at The Dunloe Hotel and Garden

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